Thousands of people joined the 3rd Cambodia National Interfaith Forum to Combat Human Trafficking which was held at Koh Pich Exhibition center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia from August 14-15, 2019. The forum was co-organized by National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), Ministry of Cult and Religions and Caritas Cambodia with great cooperation and participation by key religious leaders such as Buddhism, Catholic Church, Christians Church and Muslim together with Non-Government Organization, Civil Society and likeminded who are working on combating human trafficking in Cambodia.

The forum was called with twin objectives to promote harmonization of different religions in the Kingdom of Cambodia to conserve peace and human rights and to show the important roles of the faith leaders in providing education and knowledge on the impacts of human trafficking to all people so that they will participate in prevention, protection and combating human trafficking that leads to eliminating this modern slavery.

This meeting was an initiative for Caritas Asia to know the challenges among the Asian Nations while working with migrants & Trafficking in Persons & develop the solidarity network to work together to end Human Trafficking. Caritas India was represented by Mr. Animesh Williams, Programme Officer of Swaraksh, Anti-Human Trafficking programme in Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. Benedict D’Rozario, President of Caritas Asia and Representative of Caritas Asia’s Member Organization welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister & Shared the important role of interfaith Forum in ending Human Trafficking. Different Religious leaders at this moment Prayed and shared messages of their Religion.

Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Minister of Interior and the Chairman of NCCT, Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng urged the relevant authorities to step up their efforts in combating human trafficking. He called for collaboration between the authorities and those in religious circles to help fight against such trafficking to improve the country’s ranking.

As part of the forum, a peace procession was organized involving all the representative of Caritas member organisations from South East Asian Nations holding banners, flags placards with the message to end modern-day & Human Trafficking. During this Procession, Chhy Yam song and the voice of walker was also made for sensitization & creating awareness among the public. Leaflets were distributed during the procession to raise awareness and grab public attention on Anti-Human Trafficking and Ending Modern Slavery.

All the Guests and participants including Caritas India were allowed to display their IEC materials focusing on activities to combat Human Trafficking and Ending Modern Slavery. People express their support to Cambodia’ National Inter-Faith Forum on Combating Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery by clicking photos with message banner and affixing their signatures on the banners.

Caritas representatives interacted with the Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior and Permanent Vice-Chair of NCCT to understand NCCT role. H.E. Him Chhem, Senior Minister updated the representatives about the work of NCCT in the country. The team also met the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans & Youth Rehabilitation and learned how they work together with the judiciary & law enforcement agencies & other Stakeholders to end modern slavery. On the final day, GMS meeting was held with all Caritas Asia representatives for strengthening the Network & sharing the Challenges in working with Trafficking in Person in different regions.

Caritas Cambodia had developed a good rapport with the Govt. Agencies which surely helps in ending Human Trafficking collectively. The Entire three days Forum & meeting with different Govt. officials & Ngo’s has created deeper solidarity among Caritas Asia member organisations to come together to help the victims of Human Trafficking & to end the modern Slavery.